How do I keep my gear dry?

Hi all,

I have registered for the NANPA Northwest Trek Field Trip after the Summit. The instructions for the field trip say to bring rain protection for your equipment. So my question: What do I use to protect my equipment and where can I buy it?

I have an EOS 3 and Elan 7 with a 300mm f/4L, 1.4x and 2x converters and s 28-135mm.

Thanks in advance for any tips!


R.J.

Cheap -- use a clear plastic garbage bag
More Expensive -- Lens protection from Tenba, Lightware, etc
Most Expensive -- AquaTech from Robert http://www.robertsimaging.com

Try http://www.camerasunderwater.co.uk/ewa_ ... capes.html
or http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk/lens.html

I use plastic garbage bags as well as carry a terry cloth towel to wipe the equipment down. When I know I am going to be shooting in the rain I duct-tape an umbrella to my wimberley head!

I bring garbage bags and from Home Depot I purchased these very small bungee cords. When rain is coming I open a garbage bag and drape it completely over the lens, camera and tripod. I isolate the area of garbage bag around the hood of my 500mm and put on the bungee cord (does not harm the hood) so that the area in front of the hood is taut. With a small razor I cut a cross where the opening of the hood is and push the bungee far enough back to expose an opening for the hood. I repeat the process for the flash head as well as make my camera accessible either with an additional cut or lifting the back of the garbage bag up when I want to shoot.

Bring extra bungees and of course extra garbage bags. Also bring some 1 gallon zip lock bags -- these can be used for a number of things.

I can create some photos and post them if interested.

Greg Downing wrote:I use plastic garbage bags as well as carry a terry cloth towel to wipe the equipment down. When I know I am going to be shooting in the rain I duct-tape an umbrella to my wimberley head!

The old reflectasol clamps are the best for this, made of lightweight aluminium they weigh very little.

Best,

Chas

Trash compactor bags are MUCH tougher than normal garbage bags and well worth the minor difference in price.

A bit more elaborate, but still cost effective means of custom protection, is to buy heat seal-albe nylon fabric. Its has a coated surface that will soften when a hot clothing iron is passed over it. Using just a scissors and and iron, you can fashion your own custom covers. A variety of colors are available at Seattle Fabrics. With a sewing machine, you can easily produce custom dry bags.

An umbrella is the best answer in conditions that aren't windy and the subject isn't spooked by it. The best brand I've used to date is ShredRain. They're designed to take strong winds. My wife and I always bring a couple of the 52" models with us sea kayaking in soggy coastal AK. Not only do they proctect the camera when Im using that, they also work very well to protect vital body parts when nature calls, and they made darn good sails when we have a tail wind.

Find a horse or cow veterinarian in your area and ask him/her for a few obsterical sleeves. They are shoulder length, disposable, plastic gloves that cost pennies. You cut the fingers off the hand end and slide it over the lens and body, using gum bands to hold it in place. Works great and is a good conversation starter among other photographers. I can send you a few if you want. Steve